Therapists in El Paso County, CO
![Photo of Rebecca Taylor - Behavioral Health Consultants, Inc., EdD, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d7bb7c6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Behavioral Health Consultants, Inc.
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80917
We are an integrative group practice which provides confidential and quality psychotherapy services for an array of patients. We offer support with identifying the right therapist specific to the needs of the patient. Our dedicated clinicians work specifically with your concerns and provide the essential supports to meet your goals. If you are an individual and/or family who desires to work with an invested psychotherapist and integrative group practice which includes psychotherapies and adjunctive medical services, Behavioral Health Consultants, Inc., is committed to your overall wellness.
We are an integrative group practice which provides confidential and quality psychotherapy services for an array of patients. We offer support with identifying the right therapist specific to the needs of the patient. Our dedicated clinicians work specifically with your concerns and provide the essential supports to meet your goals. If you are an individual and/or family who desires to work with an invested psychotherapist and integrative group practice which includes psychotherapies and adjunctive medical services, Behavioral Health Consultants, Inc., is committed to your overall wellness.
![Photo of Lori (Lorene) M Roper, LCSW, LEND, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/acd1f4b0-de74-4080-94bc-6ca65464e8fa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lori (Lorene) M Roper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LEND
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Sometimes, we find ourselves buried under challenging life circumstances. When this happens, we are left with three options: remain stuck and undecided, fight through, wounded and bitter, or emerge stronger, wiser and more resilient. I love coming alongside clients who feel they are without hope, and helping them find their inner strengths to emerge resilient. I have experience working with trauma, grief, PTSD, pain management, postpartum depression, chronic medical conditions, OCD, substance use, ADHD, depression, anxiety, bi-polar, and marriage and family issues.
Sometimes, we find ourselves buried under challenging life circumstances. When this happens, we are left with three options: remain stuck and undecided, fight through, wounded and bitter, or emerge stronger, wiser and more resilient. I love coming alongside clients who feel they are without hope, and helping them find their inner strengths to emerge resilient. I have experience working with trauma, grief, PTSD, pain management, postpartum depression, chronic medical conditions, OCD, substance use, ADHD, depression, anxiety, bi-polar, and marriage and family issues.
![Photo of Eliane E. Martinez - a Restorative Counseling & Coaching LLC, BSW, MA, LPC, CCTP, MFT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f34f49c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
a Restorative Counseling & Coaching LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, BSW, MA, LPC, CCTP, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Love and Life gets complicated... Anxiety, Trauma, D.V., Abuse, Addictions, Complex Grief, Self Harm, Marriage and Family issues may arise and we become blindsided. Hope and recovery is possible. Empower yourself for change.
Love and Life gets complicated... Anxiety, Trauma, D.V., Abuse, Addictions, Complex Grief, Self Harm, Marriage and Family issues may arise and we become blindsided. Hope and recovery is possible. Empower yourself for change.
![Photo of Trent Langhofer - Community Counseling Center at CCU, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db844270-0455-4ec3-aa4d-ae480348e8b9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Community Counseling Center at CCU
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
The Community Counseling Center at Colorado Christian University offers evidence-based professional counseling to individuals and families struggling with an array of mental health problems. Our staff of highly trained master’s-level and doctoral-level clinicians have extensive experience integrating faith-based principles into ethical clinical mental health treatment. We provide treatment for: trauma, veteran-specific issues, adolescent behavioral and emotional issues, marriage and family related issues, substance abuse, mood disorders, personality disorders, and other general mental health issues.
The Community Counseling Center at Colorado Christian University offers evidence-based professional counseling to individuals and families struggling with an array of mental health problems. Our staff of highly trained master’s-level and doctoral-level clinicians have extensive experience integrating faith-based principles into ethical clinical mental health treatment. We provide treatment for: trauma, veteran-specific issues, adolescent behavioral and emotional issues, marriage and family related issues, substance abuse, mood disorders, personality disorders, and other general mental health issues.
![Photo of Valerie Bringas Montgomery, MA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/139ce0bc-32d4-4cb5-a86b-ae44e77766f4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Valerie Bringas Montgomery
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Working with women is my forte! Women have a core value of relationships and this is how we filter our decisions. Moving, parenting, and other choices are made from this core value. We are the center of the family flower. When we grow and accept ourselves we go Beyond our natural Beauty!
Working with women is my forte! Women have a core value of relationships and this is how we filter our decisions. Moving, parenting, and other choices are made from this core value. We are the center of the family flower. When we grow and accept ourselves we go Beyond our natural Beauty!
![Photo of Emily Starkey, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f5509f4-3fb1-45d4-9e81-3ac5018e3408/3/320x400.png)
Emily Starkey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Emily strives to invite individuals, couples, or families to come as they are, to feel safe, to bring the trauma, life stressors, anxiety and also life joys to a safe place. Emily understands that partaking in any therapy process can be challenging to start, and she commends you for taking the first steps to taking control over your life and mental health. Emily has eight years of working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families in the mental health field. Emily believes it is important to provide trauma-informed practice and a person-centered holistic approach to her therapy sessions.
Emily strives to invite individuals, couples, or families to come as they are, to feel safe, to bring the trauma, life stressors, anxiety and also life joys to a safe place. Emily understands that partaking in any therapy process can be challenging to start, and she commends you for taking the first steps to taking control over your life and mental health. Emily has eight years of working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families in the mental health field. Emily believes it is important to provide trauma-informed practice and a person-centered holistic approach to her therapy sessions.
![Photo of J.P. Mertens, MA, MDiv, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/321b3429-dc5e-4ed6-9a15-8e0ca1c59011/2/320x400.jpeg)
J.P. Mertens
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MDiv, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
As a counselor, I seek to create an environment where people feel safe, heard, valued, and honored. My style is very relational, collaborative, encouraging, and empowering using evidence-based models of therapeutic care. I feel that people can bring their frustrations, anger, fears, sadness, anxiety, ambivalence, and dissatisfaction into the counseling process. Throughout my 25 year career, I have been so fortunate to walk thousands of people through painful circumstances to experience necessary hope and healing in life.
As a counselor, I seek to create an environment where people feel safe, heard, valued, and honored. My style is very relational, collaborative, encouraging, and empowering using evidence-based models of therapeutic care. I feel that people can bring their frustrations, anger, fears, sadness, anxiety, ambivalence, and dissatisfaction into the counseling process. Throughout my 25 year career, I have been so fortunate to walk thousands of people through painful circumstances to experience necessary hope and healing in life.
![Photo of Leilani Ray Cullen - All Inclusive Counseling, Inc., MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56e21cb7-08b0-4847-9af3-02e76dc9ca8c/1/320x400.jpeg)
All Inclusive Counseling, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
We enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families who mindfully explore value-driven goals. We welcome you to share your strengths and primary concerns and we develop a measurable solution-focused plan to effect maximized solid change speedily. We identify what can change and what needs acceptance and how to create both. We compassionately offer skills/techniques to reduce anxiety/stress, improve sleep, mood, communication, and resiliently function. We identify triggers, images, thoughts, emotions, sensations, and experiences that cause difficulties and process them to create an optimally healthy mind.
We enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families who mindfully explore value-driven goals. We welcome you to share your strengths and primary concerns and we develop a measurable solution-focused plan to effect maximized solid change speedily. We identify what can change and what needs acceptance and how to create both. We compassionately offer skills/techniques to reduce anxiety/stress, improve sleep, mood, communication, and resiliently function. We identify triggers, images, thoughts, emotions, sensations, and experiences that cause difficulties and process them to create an optimally healthy mind.
![Photo of Ashley Brewer - Onward & Upward Counseling Center, LLC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50c97f59-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Onward & Upward Counseling Center, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80916 (Online Only)
I have a passion to help individuals who have experienced trauma of human trafficking victimization to help them heal through surviving & eventually thriving in a meaningful life they desire to maintain. I offer a safe space to heal & not be judged while building self worth & work through other areas of trauma endured & been exposed to. I am huge on recognizing a person's strengths & empowering others, which gets incorporated into my practice. This specific passion expands to other types of trauma, ADHD, families, couples, anxiety, depression, etc. I enjoy helping those who have been misunderstood & offer emotional validation.
I have a passion to help individuals who have experienced trauma of human trafficking victimization to help them heal through surviving & eventually thriving in a meaningful life they desire to maintain. I offer a safe space to heal & not be judged while building self worth & work through other areas of trauma endured & been exposed to. I am huge on recognizing a person's strengths & empowering others, which gets incorporated into my practice. This specific passion expands to other types of trauma, ADHD, families, couples, anxiety, depression, etc. I enjoy helping those who have been misunderstood & offer emotional validation.
![Photo of Higher Sights Counseling (Therapy Emdr Medication Management), LCSW, LPC, LAC, PMHNP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca02546f-b6c6-452d-b83e-9fc48248490a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Higher Sights Counseling (Therapy Emdr Medication Management)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPC, LAC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Accepting New Clients NOW! Immediate openings! At Higher Sights Counseling we understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way. A better life starts today.
Accepting New Clients NOW! Immediate openings! At Higher Sights Counseling we understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way. A better life starts today.
![Photo of Higher Sights Counseling - Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR, & Med Management, MSW, MA, LCSW, LPC, LAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23ae2307-4da1-4a35-89e9-e9efc04150d6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR, & Med Management
Counselor, MSW, MA, LCSW, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Accepting New Clients! Immediate openings, book instantly through our website link in bio! At We understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way.
Accepting New Clients! Immediate openings, book instantly through our website link in bio! At We understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way.
15 Second Videos
Lori (Lorene) M Roper
Emily Starkey
J.P. Mertens
Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR & Med Management
![Photo of Kayla Helland - Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR, & Med Managment, LCSW, LPC, LAC, MFTC, PMHNP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45744e2c-b4cc-4129-b73a-8175f5102721/2/320x400.jpeg)
Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR, & Med Managment
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPC, LAC, MFTC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Accepting New Clients! Immediate openings > book instantly through our website! At We understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way.
Accepting New Clients! Immediate openings > book instantly through our website! At We understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way.
![Photo of Nancy M. Turner, MS Ed, NCC, LPC-S , Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/883cedad-f7c3-4817-8bc3-59b2f79855a5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy M. Turner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS Ed, NCC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80921 (Online Only)
Each of us has the ability to impact the world in a unique and powerful way and we are all born with the desire to deeply connect with others. Struggles with anxiety, depression, insecurity, burnout and stress can discourage us and keep us from realizing our full potential. Counseling gives you the opportunity to feel seen, heard and understood as well as challenged. It is through therapy that we come to understand ourselves more fully allowing personal growth, self esteem and possibly true satisfaction with the life we are given.
Each of us has the ability to impact the world in a unique and powerful way and we are all born with the desire to deeply connect with others. Struggles with anxiety, depression, insecurity, burnout and stress can discourage us and keep us from realizing our full potential. Counseling gives you the opportunity to feel seen, heard and understood as well as challenged. It is through therapy that we come to understand ourselves more fully allowing personal growth, self esteem and possibly true satisfaction with the life we are given.
![Photo of Higher Sights Counseling - Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR & Med Management, LCSW, LPC, LAC, PMHNP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1d6a32b-aa0d-47a2-ad4e-6d5462747329/1/320x400.jpeg)
Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR & Med Management
LCSW, LPC, LAC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Accepting New Clients! Immediate openings, book instantly through our website in bio! We understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way.
Accepting New Clients! Immediate openings, book instantly through our website in bio! We understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Dr. Amber McGregor, MS, EdD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c06d1b7a-e211-4eb6-8a08-b1b07bdf011e/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Amber McGregor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80216
I know finding the right therapist can be a daunting task. I hope to make that easier. I pride myself on my ability to work with persons in a supportive and encouraging setting. I strongly believe in each persons potential and ability to make changes and create happiness. I hold a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology and will meet you at 1st Priority Institute for Better Living where the atmosphere is cheerful and hopeful; optimistic for a better tomorrow:).
I know finding the right therapist can be a daunting task. I hope to make that easier. I pride myself on my ability to work with persons in a supportive and encouraging setting. I strongly believe in each persons potential and ability to make changes and create happiness. I hold a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology and will meet you at 1st Priority Institute for Better Living where the atmosphere is cheerful and hopeful; optimistic for a better tomorrow:).
![Photo of Camille L. Reich, PhD, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3da25a3f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
COUPLES, FAMILY, CHILD and INDIVIDUAL THERAPY. True Happiness and Stability Stems from the Quality of our Significant Relationships! I work from a strength-based, solution-focused, and systemic or relational orientation, all are evidence-based approaches. I focus on people's strengths and possibilities while addressing their real life difficulties. I also practice child-centered play therapy and provide personality, relationship (couple) and career assessments. I believe in a holistic approach to the therapeutic process that incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions empowering a person or family towards mastering life to its fullest. I look forward to consulting with you!
COUPLES, FAMILY, CHILD and INDIVIDUAL THERAPY. True Happiness and Stability Stems from the Quality of our Significant Relationships! I work from a strength-based, solution-focused, and systemic or relational orientation, all are evidence-based approaches. I focus on people's strengths and possibilities while addressing their real life difficulties. I also practice child-centered play therapy and provide personality, relationship (couple) and career assessments. I believe in a holistic approach to the therapeutic process that incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions empowering a person or family towards mastering life to its fullest. I look forward to consulting with you!
![Photo of Camille L. Reich, PhD, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3da25b18-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Camille L. Reich
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
COUPLES, FAMILY, CHILD and INDIVIDUAL THERAPY. True Happiness and Stability Stems from the Quality of our Significant Relationships! I work from a strength-based, solution-focused, and systemic or relational orientation, all are evidence-based approaches. I focus on people's strengths and possibilities while addressing their real life difficulties. I also practice child-centered play therapy and provide personality, relationship (couple) and career assessments. I believe in a holistic approach to the therapeutic process that incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions empowering a person or family towards mastering life to its fullest. I look forward to consulting with you!
COUPLES, FAMILY, CHILD and INDIVIDUAL THERAPY. True Happiness and Stability Stems from the Quality of our Significant Relationships! I work from a strength-based, solution-focused, and systemic or relational orientation, all are evidence-based approaches. I focus on people's strengths and possibilities while addressing their real life difficulties. I also practice child-centered play therapy and provide personality, relationship (couple) and career assessments. I believe in a holistic approach to the therapeutic process that incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions empowering a person or family towards mastering life to its fullest. I look forward to consulting with you!
![Photo of Marc Esenwein, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c5f7ffb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I know that children and teens have strengths along with concerning risk factors that may need attention. If you or your family members are experiencing difficulty with your relationships because of communication and problem-solving problems, please consider evidence-based individual or episodic family therapy. Research shows lasting results when parents and youth learn ways to enhance one another's relational skill-building together. I specialize in helping clients find ways to work through risks such as substance abuse, aggression, anxiety, mood swings, trauma, loss and grief, and school issues.
I know that children and teens have strengths along with concerning risk factors that may need attention. If you or your family members are experiencing difficulty with your relationships because of communication and problem-solving problems, please consider evidence-based individual or episodic family therapy. Research shows lasting results when parents and youth learn ways to enhance one another's relational skill-building together. I specialize in helping clients find ways to work through risks such as substance abuse, aggression, anxiety, mood swings, trauma, loss and grief, and school issues.
![Photo of Jana Toledo, LPC, LAC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8fb62b7d-0182-4f1c-9638-ebb070fc240e/4/320x400.jpeg)
It is important to find the right therapist that you can connect with and establish a trusting relationship. I believe that when people come to therapy, they allow themselves opportunities for self-exploration and growth. It is my goal to create a safe space where you can make positive changes to live a more fulfilling life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Addiction Treatment Therapist who has been practicing for over 6 years.
It is important to find the right therapist that you can connect with and establish a trusting relationship. I believe that when people come to therapy, they allow themselves opportunities for self-exploration and growth. It is my goal to create a safe space where you can make positive changes to live a more fulfilling life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Addiction Treatment Therapist who has been practicing for over 6 years.
![Photo of Camille L. Reich, PhD, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1f5521-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
COUPLES, FAMILY, CHILD and INDIVIDUAL THERAPY. True Happiness and Stability Stems from the Quality of our Significant Relationships! I work from a strength-based, solution-focused, and systemic or relational orientation, all are evidence-based approaches. I focus on people's strengths and possibilities while addressing their real life difficulties. I also practice child-centered play therapy and provide personality, relationship (couple) and career assessments. I believe in a holistic approach to the therapeutic process that incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions empowering a person or family towards mastering life to its fullest. I look forward to consulting with you!
COUPLES, FAMILY, CHILD and INDIVIDUAL THERAPY. True Happiness and Stability Stems from the Quality of our Significant Relationships! I work from a strength-based, solution-focused, and systemic or relational orientation, all are evidence-based approaches. I focus on people's strengths and possibilities while addressing their real life difficulties. I also practice child-centered play therapy and provide personality, relationship (couple) and career assessments. I believe in a holistic approach to the therapeutic process that incorporates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions empowering a person or family towards mastering life to its fullest. I look forward to consulting with you!
See more therapy options for El Paso County
Adoption Therapists
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioral or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.
When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.
Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.
What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.